Update from ATA’s branches

The ATA branches continue to share practical solutions and information on sustainability, renewable energy, building design and energy efficiency. Here’s a summary of this year’s branch activities.

Adelaide

This year the Adelaide branch has hosted presentations on the Mount Barker eco development and Sundrop Farms sustainable food production. They have also organised site visits for ATA members to Seeley International and Fluid Solar House.

Brisbane

The Brisbane branch started the year with an evening on the ATA’s East Timor Village Lighting Scheme. Since then, they have covered the circular economy, closed loop production and the off-grid experience of Goolawah Cooperative.

Cairns

The Cairns branch continues to conduct ATA stalls at local events to promote sustainability issues. Look out for them at the Cairns ECO Fiesta and Koah Markets.

Canberra

This year Canberra branch has held meetings investigating an all-electric home and using smart home solar to protect our power grids.

Geelong EV

The Geelong EV branch meets monthly to hear from members about their practical electric vehicle projects, along with discussions on current and emerging EV technologies and planning for private workshop projects. They are also include information sessions in their meetings on EV equipment and concepts.

Melbourne

The Melbourne branch has covered a lot of bases this year, with evenings focusing on Reposit Power, ARENA and the challenges to the energy industry in the transition to renewables. They also organised site visits to EcoLiv Wonthaggi and The Cape project at Cape Paterson, and an advance screening of Our Power.

Melbourne EV

After a hugely successful Melbourne EV Expo last year, the Melbourne EV branch is planning a larger event for February 2018. See melbevexpo.com.au for details. Currently this year they have hosted meetings focusing on Tesla and batteries for SA, the upcoming Model 3, the ‘electric highway’ proposed for Victoria by the AEVA and improvements in lithium ion battery technology.

Perth

The Perth branch would like to relaunch regular meetings, so if you are interested in helping to make ATA activities in the Perth area a reality, please contact Travis at perthbranch@ata.org.au or Doug Rolfe, ATA Branch Coordinator at doug@ata.org.au

Sydney Central

The Sydney Central branch has had meetings on a range of excellent topics, including the pros and cons of prefab building, green roofs and walls, and an update on battery storage for urban areas. They also organised a site visit to the innovative Stucco Coop apartment block to view their solar+battery energy storage system.

Sydney West

The Sydney West branch uses the Hawkesbury EarthCare Centre as the base for its meetings and has opened the centre for Sustainable House Day. If you’re passing through the Richmond area it’s definitely worth a look.

Tas South (new)

Yes, we now have a branch in Hobart! The branch is working alongside the Australian Solar Council to organise events. So far this year they’ve had a talk on sustainability and the built environment, the Bruny Island Battery Trial Project and Passivehouse design and construction.

Tas North

Spanning the area from Devonport to Launceston, this branch started the year with an event on bushfire risk and climate change with a focus on practical responses. They ran a display at AGFEST again this year, along with the AEVA. At their most recent event they heard about the Meander Valley Council’s Bioenergy Project.

Toowoomba

Following up from their successful Toowoomba Electric Vehicle Expo late last year, the Toowoomba branch ran a forum on community owned renewable energy. They have also organised a visit to the UQ Gatton solar farm and an ATA stall at Farmfest 2017.

Wollongong (new)

Our new branch in Wollongong is going strong. This year events have included meetings on future electricity demands and distribution as well as how electric bikes and bike share systems are revolutionising transport.

As you can see there’s a lot going on in ATA branches around the country! Branches are always keen to share their knowledge; see community.ata.org.au/branches for upcoming meetings and contact details, or contact Doug Rolfe, ATA Branch Coordinator, on 03 9631 5407 or doug@ata.org.au.

We sometimes get enquiries from people wanting a branch in their area. If that’s you, then contact Doug and we can help you get started.